Location: Running Springs
Top Things to do in Running Springs
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What to do and see in Running Springs, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Running Springs is a census-designated place (CDP) in San Bernardino County, California, United States. The population was 4,862 at the 2010 census, down from 5,125 at the 2000 census. Running Springs is situated 17 miles west of Big Bear Lake, CA.
Restaurants in Running Springs
1. Snow Valley
Overall Ratings
4 based on 64 reviews
Popular ski/resort area that receives the most natural snowfall in Southern California.
Reviewed By drnkwine1 - Los Angeles
We wanted our child to see snow, and of course the weekend we booked in arrowhead was 60... so we went to Snow Valley to take her sledding. It was great sledding, very easy, ride the lift up, very long sledding hill down, very worthwhile. Although I will say its super expensive! it was over $30 per person! I was a bit astounded by the cost, but we got to play in snow. would recommend for kids, family sledding for sure. Although probably want to bring a picnic. We got 2 burgers and chicken strips and waters, and the bill was over $50... i had to chuckle...
2. Lake Arrowhead Queen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Reviewed By Linda L - Vancouver, Canada
We bought our tickets 10 minutes before the 11:00 sailing and there were only 10 of us on the paddlewheeler, so it was almost like a personal tour. Captain Craig kept us entertained, regaling us with historical facts about the area, pointing out celebrities' homes, and telling us some pretty corny jokes - and sometimes breaking into song, too! It was a perfect day to be out on the water and the time went by quickly. This is definitely worthwhile doing, and the price is reasonable too.
3. SkyPark at Santa's Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
We are an adventure theme park located at the iconic Santa's Village near Lake Arrowhead, CA. The Village has been meticulously restored for new generations of guests for years to come! Our attractions are all designed for families and friends to get outside and use their bodies in the fresh mountain air: world-class mountain bike trails, ziplines, ice or roller skating, rock climbing and bouldering, archery, bungee-trampolines, pedal cars, and the North Pole Train. We also have a delightful and etertaining cast of characters from the Northwoods including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Celwyn Claus, Princess SugarPlum, Princess Evergreen, Arrow, and many more. Our Tunes in the Trees brings together great local bands and music lovers in our beautiful forest setting. We also have 2 restaurants, pub, coffee shop, bakery, and candy and ice cream shop. Our gift stores have unique and wonderful wares. Our Adventure Center has bike rentals and all you need to experience your next adventure.
Reviewed By PCfan - Idyllwild, California
This facility is very clean and looks great. The employees were all very enthusiastic and seemed to be enjoying their jobs. Santa was a really, really good looking Mr. Claus. We were there with out two granddaughters, ages 4 and nearly 3. They thoroughly enjoyed the day which began at 10 a.m. and lasted until about 4. There was plenty for them to do. I doubt, however, that older children would be as enthralled. I think the trick is to go mid-week before maybe December 20. We were there on Dec. 15 and it wasn't overly crowded (whew!).
4. San Bernardino National Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 111 reviews
This region encompasses 660,000 acres of the San Bernadino Mountains with elevations ranging from 1,000 feet to the highest at Mount San Gorgonio at 11,502 feet.
Reviewed By Theresa K - San Bernardino, California
Crestline, Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear are all worth the trip. All have beautiful mountain views and fun things to do. Lake Gregory for picnics and swimming. Lake Arrowhead for dining and unique shopping. Big Bear for snow boarding/skiing, plus a quaint village with shops and many good restaurants/diners. Take your camera and if you are into hiking, there's lots of good, save trails. Also, plenty of lodging in this forest.
5. Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By LUCKYME72 - CALIFORNIA
We took our young grandkids to visit the fire lookout and they had a great time. Wonderful views, and nice volunteers to answer questions. The lookout is not the sturdiest structure so they recommend not more than 5 visitors at a time. Definitely worth the visit.
6. Castle Rock Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 174 reviews
Reviewed By Frequenttravel48
Went with my wife and two year old (in a backpack carrier). Got parking street side right next to it around 8. The way up was a bit tough with my son but not too bad. Decent trail, good scenery on the way, and a good vista at the top.
7. San Manuel Casino
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 228 reviews
Gaming facility features round-the-clock poker, blackjack, 4,200 slot machines, casual and fine dining options. Must be 21. Please gamble responsibly.
Reviewed By bamollers760 - Riverside, California
This casino is just very convenient for a lot of people who shouldn’t even be going to a casino. That’s the start of an old post. I had some complaints regarding the pit bosses and how unfriendly they seem to be to regular players in High Limit table games. Just recently a dealer mentioned that I could request the table be RESERVED to prevent the mid shoe buy-ins. Those people who are “afraid to win are are the “table experts” who are playing the table minimum bet of $50, which is absurd. That same visit a pit boss in the second High Limit table gaming area told me the same thing. Later I found out from the initial dealer that she told the pit boss to make mention of that to me when she walked though the other room and saw me playing. Good looking out, from the dealer and the pit boss that day!
8. Redlands Bowl
Overall Ratings
5 based on 144 reviews
Reviewed By John S - California
I have been going to the Redlands Bowl for over 18 years and it has become a rich family tradition. We go to the Summer Music Festival all summer long at the Bowl. Last summer I only missed one show and that's because it rained and I didn't want to go to the other venue. The entertainment is top-notch and would probably cost you anywhere from $25 to $50 in other venues. Oh yeah, did I mention the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival is free!? This makes it a perfect venue to take my family of seven.
Yes, it is free, though they do pass around a free will offering during intermission. Obviously, they also accept donations so please check out their website. Parking is at a premium, so you might want to go at least a half hour to an hour early and park just north of the bowl across the street from the post office. There is also parking in the old Redlands Mall parking lot, also north of the Bowl. For those with difficulty walking, they will let you get a little closer to park or be dropped off.
The seating is bench-style and there really are no bad seats, though you may want a blanket or pillow to soften the seat a bit. Some people choose to bring lawn chairs or blankets and sit on the sides or the very back. Many people bring food, and sometimes beer or wine. Drinking is not necessarily allowed (open container) but the crowd sort of polices itself and keeps the wine bottles on the down low. It's the worst kept secret.
Overall, it is great family fun in a safe environment. I hope to go for years and years. Here are a few of the shows we've seen over the years: Bollywood Spectacular, Rhythmic Circus, Riders in the Sky, Modern Gentlemen, Celtic Spring, Tarzan, Oklahoma, California Guitar Trio, The Voetberg Family Band, and much, much more!
9. Lake Gregory Regional Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 162 reviews
Lake Gregory stands amid a cool cedar and pine forest in the San Bernardino Mountains. But don’t let the pastoral setting fool you - the park teems with activity throughout the year as nature lovers converge for a wide range of recreational activities.People flock to Lake Gregory to enjoy its cool 84-acres of surface area for swimming and water sports. Each August, a 2,500-year-old Chinese tradition comes alive at Lake Gregory in the form of Dragon Boat Races. The elongated canoes seat 12 to 20 people, and a drummer beats a cadence to set a pace for the paddlers.Other activities include a fitness trail with exercise stations, picnic areas with barbecue grills, fishing, a skate park and model boat area. Four-legged friends are welcome at Lake Gregory’s dog park.The park lodge is available for events ranging from weddings to company parties.
Reviewed By DiannaS514 - Los Angeles, California
We used to love going here,but this time we did not even go in.The lake looked like it's dried up a lot on the side near the street.They have added big rafts,slides and blow up stuff so now they call it a water park.But in doing so raised the prices since we came .we used to go for a few hours and rent the paddle boats but for $10 a head and $10 to park,and then the rentals,it no long ER seemed worth it to us.If your going for a full day I guess it might.Sad we really loved it there years ago,but Times and things change.
10. Woodland Interpretive Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Clifford D
Parking in the lot requires an Adventure Pass, parking on the road is free. Before you get started pick up a trail pamphlet; they are located on the sign next to trash bin. The trail is easy, unless there is snow/ice on the ground. There are markers throughout the hike, your trail pamphlet will give you interesting facts about that spot and the area. I enjoyed the stories more when kids read the info for the first time.
We like to hike this trail for a short hike, but especially when the snow is falling. If the snow is too deep we snow shoe the trail, getting lost (not really) is part of the fun. One word of caution in winter, sledders don't watch where you are walking so keep your eyes open for fast moving sleds.
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